Creta Maris Resort (Detailed Review)
The moment I arrived at Creta Maris Resort, it felt like stepping into a little whitewashed Greek village with stone pathways lined with vibrant pink bougainvillea flowers, little squares with huge olive trees, lovely fountains and shaded benches, and charming restaurants overlooking the sea or the mountains. Every now and then, a friendly cat would cross my path or stretch out lazily in the sun, adding to the village-like vibe.
It was a labyrinth, but in a good way – one that invited you to wander without a map, discovering little surprises along the way like a pomegranate tree bursting with fruit, a clay pot full of flowers, or a cozy corner with a blue table and a pair of blue chairs waiting for you to stop and relax. Every turn seemed to lead to something new.
Creta Maris was like a world in itself. I felt as if I had woken up as a new local in this village, able to spend my days wandering around and getting to know my “new home” in a natural, unhurried way.
Welcome to my review of Creta Maris Resort, in Hersonissos, Crete, Greece. They hosted me for three days in October 2024. But nobody told me what to write. These are my honest views and the true reflection of my experience. I did not accept any payment in exchange for any coverage.
Introducing Hersonissos, Crete
Hersonissos was originally a small fishing village with roots tracing back to ancient Minoan times. During the 1970-80s Hersonissos was recognized as an ideal travel destination due to its proximity to Heraklion, the island’s capital and home to the airport. By the 1990s, it had fully embraced its identity as a resort town, with the development of luxury resorts, theme parks, and streets lined with souvenir shops, car rentals, and tour operators.
Yet beneath the surface of a modern resort town, if you venture beyond the beachfront, you’ll find glimpses of traditional Cretan life and history. From charming villages like Koutouloufari and Piskopiano to the open-air Lychnostatis Museum, these are all places worth exploring to learn about Crete’s rich heritage.
Introducing Creta Maris Resort
Creta Maris Resort is a five-star all-inclusive eco-resort in Hersonissos, on the east side of the island Crete. In 1975, Nikos and Loula Metaxa established the resort, which was not only the first five-star resort but also one of the very first hotels in Hersonissos. They envisioned a seaside village where travelers could experience Greek culture within the privacy of a resort. Now, nearly 50 years later, it is safe to say they have indeed succeeded in that vision.
ECO PROFILE – Learn about how Creta Maris Resort embraces sustainability
As I mentioned, the resort is like a complete village with over 600 rooms and suites, 7 restaurants, 5 snack points, 10 bars, 16 pools, a water theme park, a spa, a fitness center, a water sports center, an open-air cinema, 6 sports courts, an organic garden, a vineyard, a row of small boutiques, and even an old chapel.
Our room was a cozy bungalow with two rooms and two bathrooms. The bedroom featured a spacious canopy bed, while the living room had two single beds perfect for the kids.
The decor and furnishings had a charming vintage farmhouse vibe, with an aged, rustic feel that added character. It had clay pots embedded in the walls and thatched chairs by the windows. It was a refreshing change from the sleek, modern rooms you often see, which would have felt out of place here.
All-inclusive dining
The eco-resort is an all-inclusive resort, which means you have a buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at three of the seven restaurants (Enomy, Arismari and Estia Restaurants) with unlimited drinks. For breakfast and lunch we went to Enomy since it was the largest in terms of space and selection.
The breakfast selection was wonderful, offering everything from cold cuts and an extensive salad bar to eggs prepared in every style, fresh fruits and juices, and a full station of desserts. There were, of course, waffles, pancakes, pastries, and a variety of hot savory options as well.
If you read other reviews, you may already know that I need to eat gluten-free. The resort had an amazing selection of gluten-free breakfast options including upon request bread, different pastries, and pancakes. To be honest, the oatmeal was not how I make it at home. For me that was the only meal I could not give a stellar recommendation for.
When it came to lunch, the selection was almost overwhelming, and everything we tried was delicious. I truly believe we couldn’t have sampled it all, even if we had stayed for two weeks. Especially considering the menu changed every day. Of course, the kids could always choose pasta with Bolognese sauce and other kid-friendly meals. I appreciated that the kids’ section remained consistent, offering familiar options each day.
Dinner at seven restaurants
For dinner, you can choose to dine buffet-style in the Enomy and Estia Restaurants, but I highly recommend trying the à la carte restaurants.
Why? I’ll give you three good reasons. First, each á la carte restaurant provides a completely unique experience, with its own distinct location and theme. Second, while the buffet food was delicious, the meals at the á la carte restaurants were on an entirely different level. And best of all, dining at each of these restaurants once is included in the all-inclusive package. Just keep in mind, as with all great places, booking in advance is mandatory.
We started with Pithos Restaurant, located in the upper part of the resort known as TERRA. From here, the restaurant offers stunning views of the mountains and the entire resort below. The theme was organic, bio and sustainable offering Cretan meals using ingredients from the resort’s own garden and its local organic partners.
Naturally, I tried the Greek ‘dolmadakia,’ herbed rice wrapped in vine leaves and served with yogurt. It was light to be the perfect appertizer. Whenever I review a restaurant, I always order chicken breast. There is a lot to be said for a chef and a restaurant that can make it tender and juicy. I can assure you, our lemon chicken was flawless. I finished it with a hot gluten-free chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Perfect end of the dinner don’t you think?
Kids can be picky, and while orzo pasta with tomato might sound simple, any parent with young children knows that doesn’t always guarantee they’ll eat it. But here, my daughter actually asked for a second serving because she found it absolutely irresistible. My other daughter was more adventurous especially when it comes to desserts. She loved the ‘galaktoboureko,’ which is a custard cream in phyllo pastry drizzled with thyme honey and served with cinnamon ice cream (pictured above). She was floored she could not finish it.
For next dinner, we tried Arismari Restaurant, located by the main pool right off the beach. The theme was Greek and Cretan cuisine with a modern twist.
While the ‘giouvarlakia’ wasn’t on the gluten-free menu, the kitchen was kind enough to prepare a special version for me. ‘Giouvarlakia’ are delicate fish balls served with a velvety lemon sauce, dill oil, and a smooth celery root purée. The fish balls were perfectly soft and light, with each bite elevated by the balanced flavors of the sides. It was a thoughtful dish that felt light and refined.
My grouper fillet smelled incredible—so enticing, in fact, that it even lured a cat over to join me for dinner. I felt a bit sorry for the hopeful little visitor, but I couldn’t resist savoring every bite of this beautiful dish. The black and red lentil risotto paired wonderfully with the earthy mushroom ragout, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. I love when different textures collide yet come together in a balanced meal.
I felt even sorrier for myself, though, as I was too full by then to even think about dessert. And with the kids eagerly nudging us to get to the kids’ party on time, we gave in and headed out.
For our final dinner, we chose Mademi Restaurant. Located at the very edge of the resort, it is perched right on the rocks by the sea—a stunning setting. It is a steakhouse but Greek-style where everything is grilled to perfection.
I jumped at the chance to try a gluten-free moussaka while in Crete. Traditionally, the top sauce is thickened with flour, so it is usually off-limits for me. I was thrilled to find a version I could try here. I loved the modern twist of using beef chunks in the ragú instead of minced meat. The smoked aubergine was fantastic, and the crispy potato sticks on top added a unique layer of both texture and flavor.
The star of any steakhouse dinner is, of course, the meat. I debated for ages between the veal spare ribs and the pork chops since both sounded delicious. In the end, I went with the pork chops topped with BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. To say the portion was huge would be an understatement. I even asked the waiter if they’d accidentally added an extra cut! The meat was melt-in-the-mouth tender. I rarely go for red meat because I can’t stand when it’s dry, but this was absolute perfection. I felt a little guilty for only being able to finish half of it.
Snack points and bars
After all these mouth-watering photos of our meals, let me tell you about the five snack points and ten bars across the resort. There is a ‘Food Arcade’ featuring little shops where you can grab gyros, ice cream, and fresh juices. By the water park, there is also a snack bar where you can order waffles and pancakes, perfect for a quick, tasty treat between activities.
The resort features its very own Aperol Bar right by the beach, serving—of course—only Aperol Spritz. Campari was brilliant in positioning Aperol Spritz as the ultimate beachside drink, capturing that perfect mix of refreshment and vibrant color that’s ideal for sipping by the sea. And yes, you guessed it—that’s exactly what I was doing by the beach. I mean not the only thing…
Beach
So, let’s head to the beach. Creta Maris boasts a beautiful Blue Flag Beach, lined with classic umbrellas and sunbeds along the soft sand. But if you wander north toward Mademi Restaurant, you will find a handful of quiet spot to unwind on the rocks, offering a more rugged, secluded vibe. We visited Creta Maris at the end of October, when the weather was still sunny and warm, and the sea was refreshing but not too cold. So, we splashed around, built sand castles, and relaxed on the sun beds.
A Blue Flag Beach cannot be complete with a lifeguard station and a water sports centre. Guests can rent jet skis, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and fly boards. They will also arrange for a boat trip to do some snorkeling. We felt that late October was a bit windy and the sea became wavy. So we didn’t feel inclined to try any water sports during our trip.
Swimming pools
I am not exaggerating when I say we spotted a pool everywhere we looked. Creta Maris boasts 16 swimming pools, thoughtfully scattered throughout the resort so that every room is near one.
The Maris Pool was the largest, a stunning sight from the balcony of the Vegera Lounge Bar. It is also the main area where most of the guests spent their days relaxing in the sun beds.
However, we quickly claimed our favorite spot at the East Pools. Being late October, we were grateful that these pools were heated, making them ideal for a comfortable dip. They were tucked away at the most southern part away from the busier central areas. I especially loved that they kept the archeological findings in tact and built this pool area around them.
Bonus points to Creta Maris for having a warm indoor pool. Resorts in Crete are undoubtedly designed with summer in mind, when the sun blazes and a dip in a cool pool is irresistible. But by late October, that indoor pool became our safe have as well as the first pool we tried. While it is on a smaller scale, everyone who wanted to get in could.
Water Park
Ah yes, the water park. Located at the top of the resort, it is the farthest from the main building and bungalow area. Spanning over 43,000 square feet, it features three main areas: thrilling waterslides, an Aquatower, and a lively splash zone. While we tried to explore the resort in its entirety, I have to say not a lot of guests went to the water park in October. I was told it is one of the most popular areas during the summer though and for good reason.
Events
The resort offers evening entertainment not only for kids but for the whole family. During our stay, we enjoyed three different evening programs, each one high-quality, immensely enjoyable, and full of fun.
Kids’ club
The kids had a fantastic time at the Asterias Kids Club, where they joined a Halloween morning party filled with cookie decorating, potion making, and creating pumpkin mosaics. They also enjoyed activities like mini golfing and drawing the oldest olive tree by the pool. Even though my daughters don’t speak English, the animators were absolutely wonderful. My girls returned with full-wattage smiles after each visit.
In the evening, they joined the kids’ party, which kicked off with a game of bingo, but quickly transformed into a whirlwind of dancing, silly faces, high-fiving, and nonstop jumping. Laughter filled the room as they let loose, celebrated by the cheers and claps of their parents.
Folklore show
The folklore show was truly captivating. An incredibly talented group of six dancers—three men and three women—performed for an hour and a half, showcasing three different types of Greek dances: traditional styles from mainland Greece, lively Cretan dances, and, of course, the famous Sirtaki.
Each set was accompanied by a change into authentic costumes, adding to the immersive experience. The whole audience, including my daughters were mesmerized, staying glued to their seats despite it being well past their bedtime. At the end, the audience—including us—was invited to the dance floor to learn a few steps. It was a beautiful way to connect with Greek music and culture firsthand.
Circus show
The circus show far exceeded my expectations. It was a family performance, with a mother, father, and daughter each bringing their unique talents to the stage through various skits.
The daughter dazzled as a skilled unicyclist, juggling with ease as she rode. The father, meanwhile, played the role of magician, conjuring an endless supply of wine bottles and performing daring acts like stabbing a box that ‘hid’ his daughter inside. He also showcased his acrobatic prowess, balancing on a tower of moving items stacked precariously beneath him. Layer by layer, he climbed higher, each level shifting and testing his balance.
But the true highlights were the comedic bits, which had the entire audience laughing until tears filled their eyes. My daughter’s favorite moment—since she was brave enough to volunteer—was when the mother, dressed as a clown, crafted a balloon flower just for her. Altogether, these acts combined to create a night that felt like a genuine circus spectacle, a true joy for all ages.
Activities to do nearby
I know how easy it is to stay within the resort, where everything you could need or want is right at your fingertips. However, I encourage you to venture outside, as there are places in the immediate surroundings (even within 5 minutes) that offer some truly unique experiences that are well worth exploring.
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
This lovely open air museum is literally 10 minutes from Creta Maris by car. Built entirely by hand using local materials, it showcases a range of exhibits, including a Cretan farmhouse, a windmill, and a traditional wine press.
We spent 1 to 1.5 hours there, wandering through the herb garden, stepping into an old village school, admiring the detailed patterns on the textiles in the farmhouse, and learning about how the Cretan people lived hundreds of years ago.
My daughters, ages 6 and 9, couldn’t get enough of all the nooks and crannies—they found something interesting at every step. I wish we had gone on a Wednesday to experience the raki-making and grape-treading activities. Maybe next time…
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center
A UK expat established the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center at the ground floor of an apartment house in Hersonissos in 1995. It is a 5-minute drive from Creta Maris Resort. When we visited the center, he told us stories how all sea and land creatures ended up with him.
We saw Stephania, the rescued blind sea turtle lazily swimming in her pool with a ray as a friend. It was the first time ever we saw an axolotl, a fascinating aquatic creature, often called the “Mexican walking fish,” though it is actually not a fish at all, but an amphibian.
But the real surprise awaited us in the small garden, where many of the rescued reptiles roamed freely. My husband got to hold a yellow python, while a thin snake peeked out of the caretaker’s pocket. Large iguanas were placed on branches while a giant tortoise named Blondie were roaming freely on the ground.
Heraklion
The island’s capital is just a 20-minute trip away, so we were able to spend some time in Heraklion after checking out and before heading to the airport. In the heart of Heraklion, we strolled through the streets without aim and ended up at the Venetian harbor and fortess.
If you would like to know more about Crete’s rich past, then you should consider visiting the Archaeological Museum. Or just a short drive outside the city, you will find Knossos Palace, one of the most significant Minoan archaeological sites. It is a great option if you have a bit more time and access to a car.
Lassithi Plateau
The Lassithi Plateau is a beautiful and serene area in eastern Crete, known for its unique landscape, traditional villages, and rich history. While it is close to Hersonissos and Creta Maris approx. an hour away, it is more suited for day trips.
The plateau is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and dotted with white-sailed windmills and quaint villages like Tzermiado, Agios Georgios, and Psychro. Each village has its own unique charm, traditional tavernas, and local crafts. It is also where you can find Dikteon Cave, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus.
Best time to visit
Spring: Creta Maris Resort opens in March, welcoming visitors with mild temperatures. With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, spring is an ideal time to enjoy the resort without the summer crowds.
Summer: Peak season at Creta Maris starts as early as May, with long, hot days. This is the best time for travelers who want to enjoy endless sunshine, the warm sea for swimming and water sports, and the lively evenings. With all amenities in full swing, guests can dive into the water park, enjoy outdoor dining, and embrace Crete’s famous summer energy.
Fall (September – October): The resort may be fully booked, but many guests are there for the meeting facilities, which means you can still enjoy the amenities without encountering large crowds. The weather remains warm and sunny, perfect for sunbathing and outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.
Winter: The resort gradually winds down toward its last day of the season on November 1.
How to get there
Getting to Creta Maris Resort is easy, with options from both major airports in Crete: Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ).
From Heraklion Airport (HER): The closest airport, Heraklion Airport, is about a 20-minute drive from Creta Maris. Taxis are readily available, or you can arrange a private transfer through the resort. Rental cars are also an option for guests wanting flexibility to explore Crete.
From Chania Airport (CHQ): Chania Airport is farther, approximately a 3-hour drive away. Guests arriving here can either rent a car for a scenic drive across the island or take a shuttle or private transfer to reach the resort comfortably.
We did arrive in Chania and spent a couple of days there to explore Chania port and old town and visit the famous Elafonissi pink beach. We rented a car and drove all the way to Hersonissos to stay in Creta Maris and to explore the Eastern part of the island as well.
Summary – final thoughts
Spending three days there flew by, yet we managed to fit in plenty of activities without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. I felt calm and at ease throughout our stay. I especially loved the village-like vibe and the excellent service provided by all the staff members. Looking around, I saw the same contentment on everyone’s faces. I bet they were all thinking what I was: ‘I wish I could spend my whole summer here.’
Every night, dining at a different restaurant, watching the sunrise by the beach, and wandering along the narrow pathways were the highlights of my stay. Learning about the dedication of the owners and employees to the resort, to the Cretan culture, and to the environment made the experience even more rewarding. I prioritize visiting facilities that are highly committed to sustainability, and I was thrilled to witness that commitment in action here.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, cultural exploration, or family-friendly fun, Creta Maris Resort has something for everyone. Experience the warmth of authentic Cretan hospitality and indulge in a perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and sustainability—just as my family and I did! Visit the official website for more details, special offers, and easy booking!
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.